Second Annual ENL Holiday Party and Boutique

The ENL Department of Farmingdale High School hosted their second annual holiday party and boutique for their 9-12 students on Thursday, December 13, 2019.

The students—who have migrated here from all over the world—were invited to partake in some holiday snacks and pick out gifts from a selection of items that were donated by Farmingdale faculty and staff. There was clothing, jewelry, toys, knick-knacks, and more. The idea for the boutique originated with FHS teacher Michelle Angiulo, who thought it would help her students get through what can be a financially challenging season. She was assisted by teachers Carmen Rodriguez, Annmarie Hmelovsky, Freddy Falcones, and Paul McHugh.

Each student was asked to have five English language exchanges with different teachers at the party, which was marked down on a card. That card earned them raffle tickets for a Chinese auction, giving them a chance to win bigger items, such as two fully-restored bikes that were built by Farmingdale technology students.

Ms. Anguilo was delighted that so many people donated items to help make her boutique a success. “It was wonderful to have so many faculty and staff members come through for our English Language Learners,” said Ms. Angiulo. “This is supposed to be a joyous time of year, but many students of this population are struggling to maintain the basic necessities of life. We just wanted to bring a little happiness and holiday spirit to those who don’t have loved ones near or are of limited means.”